Methods for spectroscopic analysis of residue

ABSTRACT

A method of analyzing a sample located on a hydrophilic portion of a surface is disclosed. The method includes directing a first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam through the sample at a non-zero incidence angle relative to the surface. The method also includes analyzing a first reflected non-destructive electromagnetic beam reflected from the hydrophilic portion to obtain a first measurement associated with at least one property of the sample.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of and claims priority from U.S.Ser. No. 15/422,013 entitled: Apparatus and Method for SpectroscopicAnalysis of Residue, filed on Feb. 1, 2017, the entire contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference, which is a continuation of andclaims priority from U.S. Ser. No. 14/290,085 entitled: Apparatus andMethod for Spectroscopic Analysis of Residue, filed on May 29, 2014, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Throughout various industries, such as aircraft manufacturing, residuesand contamination on surfaces of various materials often need to beanalyzed.

One available testing method for surface analysis is Matrix AssistedLaser Desorption-Ionization (“MALDI”) mass-spectrometry analysis,wherein a sample is ablated, ionized, and then subjected to electric ormagnetic fields. Since the ionized sample is destroyed in the process,archival of the sample and/or multiple measurements thereof are notpossible. Furthermore, mass-spectrometry is bulky and expensive, whichprevents on-site testing and, accordingly, increases the time and costof material analysis.

Alternatively, non-destructive photo spectroscopy may be used to analyzesurface contamination on the material. Trace levels of residue mustoften be extracted from the surface and concentrated by evaporating anextraction solvent before spectroscopic analysis. However, there are noreliable means to evenly deposit the residue on a surface that iscompatible with spectroscopic analysis in a reproducible manner.Furthermore, traditional methods of infrared spectroscopy are notconducive to archiving the sample for subsequent measurements, since thesample is typically cleaned off of spectrometer window.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, apparatus and method, intended to address theabove-identified concerns, would find utility.

One example of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus forspectroscopic analysis of a sample formed from a liquid solvent and aresidue. The apparatus includes means for generating a first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam. The first incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam includes a width. The apparatus also includes aplate, having a thickness, and a hydrophobic substrate, coupled to theplate and having a substrate thickness. A ratio of the substratethickness of the hydrophobic substrate to the thickness of the plate isat least 1:6,000. The plate and the hydrophobic substrate define asurface, which includes a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion.The hydrophobic substrate defines the hydrophobic portion of thesurface. A portion of the plate defines the hydrophilic portion of thesurface. The hydrophilic portion of the surface is optically reflective.The hydrophobic portion of the surface surrounds the hydrophilic portionof the surface. The hydrophilic portion of the surface includes adimension equal to or larger than the width of the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam, directed at the hydrophilicportion of the surface, passing through the sample deposited on thehydrophilic portion of the surface, and optically reflected from thehydrophilic portion of the surface.

One example of the present disclosure relates to a method of analyzing asample located on a hydrophilic portion of a surface. The methodincludes directing a first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beamthrough the sample at a non-zero incidence angle relative to thesurface. The method also includes analyzing a first reflectednon-destructive electromagnetic beam reflected from the hydrophilicportion to obtain a first measurement associated with at least oneproperty of the sample.

One example of the present disclosure relates to a method of analyzing asample, formed from a liquid solvent and a residue, located on a surfacedefined by a hydrophilic material coupled to a plate and a hydrophobicsubstrate coupled to the hydrophilic material. The method includesdirecting a first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam, whichincludes a width, through the sample at an incidence angle that is notzero relative to the surface. The sample is deposited on a hydrophilicportion of the surface. The hydrophilic portion of the surface isdefined by an absence of the hydrophobic substrate. The hydrophilicportion includes a dimension, in plan view, equal to or larger than thewidth of the first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam. Themethod also includes analyzing a first reflected non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam reflected from the hydrophilic portion to obtain afirst measurement associated with at least one property of the sample.

One example of the present disclosure relates to a method of analyzing asample, formed from a liquid solvent and a residue, located on a surfacedefined by a hydrophobic substrate coupled to a plate. The methodincludes directing a first incident non-destructive electromagneticbeam, which includes a width, through the sample at an incidence anglethat is not zero relative to the surface. The sample is deposited on ahydrophilic portion of the surface. The hydrophobic substrate defines ahydrophobic portion of the surface and a portion of the plate definesthe hydrophilic portion of the surface. The hydrophobic portion of thesurface surrounds the hydrophilic portion of the surface and thehydrophilic portion includes a dimension, in plan view, equal to orlarger than the width of the first incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam. The method also includes analyzing a firstreflected non-destructive electromagnetic beam reflected from thehydrophilic portion to obtain a first measurement associated with atleast one property of the sample.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described examples of the disclosure in general terms,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein like reference charactersdesignate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, andwherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are a block diagram of an apparatus for spectroscopicanalysis of residue, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a hydrophobic portion and ahydrophilic portion represented in FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to oneaspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the hydrophobic portion and thehydrophilic portion of FIG. 2, according to one aspect of thedisclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the hydrophobic portion and thehydrophilic portion of FIG. 3, according to one aspect of thedisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the hydrophobic portion and thehydrophilic portion of FIG. 3, according to one aspect of thedisclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of an identifying feature associatedwith a hydrophilic portion represented in FIGS. 1A and 1B, according toone aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a schematic plan view of an identifying feature associatedwith a hydrophilic portion represented in FIGS. 1A and 1B, according toone aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of an identifying feature associatedwith a hydrophilic portion represented in FIGS. 1A and 1B, according toone aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of means for generating a first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam, means for detecting a firstreflected non-destructive electromagnetic beam, and an optical guide ofthe apparatus of FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to one aspect of thedisclosure;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the first incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam and the first reflected non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam represented in FIG. 8, according to one aspect ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a surface center alignment featureassociated with a hydrophilic portion of a surface of the apparatus ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, according to one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a surface centering projection ofthe surface center alignment feature represented in FIG. 10, accordingto one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of a surface centering depression ofthe surface center alignment feature represented in FIG. 10, accordingto one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a surface centering marking of thesurface center alignment feature represented in FIG. 10, according toone aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of a surface directional alignmentfeature associated with a hydrophilic portion of a surface of theapparatus of FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of a surface directional alignmentfeature associated with a hydrophilic portion of a surface of theapparatus of FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view of a surface directing projection ofthe surface directional alignment feature represented in FIGS. 14 and15, according to one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view of a surface directing depression ofthe surface directional alignment feature represented in FIGS. 14 and15, according to one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view of a surface directing color marking ofthe surface directional alignment feature represented in FIGS. 14 and15, according to one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view of an interface center alignmentfeature of an interface surface of an optical guide of the apparatus ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, according to one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view of an interface directional alignmentfeature of an interface surface of an optical guide of the apparatus ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, according to one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a schematic side perspective view of an interface directingprojection of an interface surface of an optical guide of the apparatusof FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a schematic side perspective view of an interface directingdepression of an interface surface of an optical guide of the apparatusof FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a schematic side perspective view of an interface directingcolor marking of an interface surface of an optical guide of theapparatus of FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a schematic plan view of a plurality of hydrophilic portionsof a surface of the apparatus of FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to oneaspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a schematic plan view of a plurality of a plurality ofidentifying features, a plurality of surface center alignment features,and a plurality of surface directional alignment features associatedwith the hydrophilic portions represented in FIG. 24, according to oneaspect of the disclosure;

FIGS. 26A and 26B are a block diagram of a method for analyzing a samplelocated on the hydrophilic portion of the surface of the apparatus,according to one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of aircraft production and servicemethodology; and

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of an aircraft.

In the block diagram(s) referred to above, solid lines, if any,connecting various elements and/or components may represent mechanical,electrical, fluid, optical, electromagnetic and other couplings and/orcombinations thereof. As used herein, “coupled” means associateddirectly as well as indirectly. For example, a member A may be directlyassociated with a member B, or may be indirectly associated therewith,e.g., via another member C. Couplings other than those depicted in theblock diagrams may also exist. Dashed lines, if any, connecting thevarious elements and/or components represent couplings similar infunction and purpose to those represented by solid lines; however,couplings represented by the dashed lines may either be selectivelyprovided or may relate to alternative or optional aspects of thedisclosure. Likewise, elements and/or components, if any, representedwith dashed lines, indicate alternative or optional aspects of thedisclosure. Environmental elements, if any, are represented with dottedlines.

In the block diagram(s) referred to above, the blocks may also representoperations and/or portions thereof. Lines connecting the various blocksdo not imply any particular order or dependency of the operations orportions thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosed concepts, which may bepracticed without some or all of these particulars. In other instances,details of known devices and/or processes have been omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. While some concepts will bedescribed in conjunction with specific examples, it will be understoodthat these examples are not intended to be limiting.

Reference herein to “one example” or “one aspect” means that one or morefeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theexample or aspect is included in at least one implementation. The phrase“one example” or “one aspect” in various places in the specification mayor may not be referring to the same example or aspect.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2-14, and with particularreference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2 and 3, one example of the presentdisclosure relates to an apparatus 100 for spectroscopic analysis ofresidue 102. The apparatus 100 includes a surface 104, including ahydrophobic portion 106 and a hydrophilic portion 108. The hydrophobicportion 106 surrounds the hydrophilic portion 108. The hydrophilicportion 108 includes a dimension 110 equal to or larger than a width 112of a first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114.

As used herein, spectroscopic analysis may include the measurement of aninteraction between radiative energy (e.g., the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114) and specific types of matter(e.g., residue 102), for example, the measurement of radiation intensityof electromagnetic radiation as a function of wavelength. The termnon-destructive electromagnetic beam may include any focusedelectromagnetic radiation that does not damage or destroy the matterinteracted with by the electromagnetic radiation.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are usedherein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal,positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which theseterms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does notrequire or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbereditem, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

In one example implementation of the disclosed apparatus 100, a sample212 may be deposited on the hydrophilic portion 108 for spectroscopicanalysis of the residue 102. The sample 212 may also be referred to asan analyte that is of interest in a spectroscopic analysis procedure,such as a method 500 for analyzing the sample 212 located on thehydrophilic portion 108 of the surface 104 as described herein below(e.g., FIG. 15). As one example, the sample 212 may include a liquidsolvent and the residue 102. As one example, the liquid solvent may bewater. As one example, the liquid solvent may be an organic solventincluding, but not limited to, acetonitrile, dimethylformamide,dimethylsulfoxide, methanol, ethanol, acetone, methylene chloride,methyl ethyl ketone, hexane, toluene, tetrahydrofuran anddichloromethane. As one example, the liquid solvent may be water and theorganic solvent.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 2, as used herein, the width 112 of the firstincident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 may be defined as across-sectional dimension (e.g., a linear distance perpendicular to acenterline 239 of the first incident non-destructive electromagneticbeam 114 and between two opposed points disposed at an exteriorboundary) of the first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114proximate (e.g., at or near) the hydrophilic portion 108. As oneexample, the width 112 of the first incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam 114 may be defined at a point of impact with thehydrophilic portion 108 and/or the residue 102.

The first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 (e.g.,electromagnetic radiation) may include various wavelengths. As oneexample, the first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 mayinclude infrared light. As one example, the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 may include ultraviolet light.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 3, in example, the hydrophilic portion 108includes a peripheral boundary 146 and a center 148 circumscribed by theperipheral boundary 146.

The peripheral boundary 146 of the hydrophilic portion 108 may defineany shape 242. As one example, the shape 242 defined by the peripheralboundary 146 of the hydrophilic portion 108 may be circular. As oneexample, the shape 242 defined by the peripheral boundary 146 of thehydrophilic portion 108 may be ovular. As one example, the shape 242defined by the peripheral boundary 146 of the hydrophilic portion 108may be elliptical. As one example, the shape 242 defined by theperipheral boundary 146 of the hydrophilic portion 108 may be polygonal.

The dimension 110 of the hydrophilic portion 108 may be defined as alinear distance between two opposed points on the peripheral boundary146 of the hydrophilic portion 108. As one general, non-limitingexample, the dimension 110 of the hydrophilic portion 108 may be definedas the smallest linear distance between two opposed points on theperipheral boundary 146 of the hydrophilic portion 108. As one specific,non-limiting example, the dimension 110 may be a diameter for acircular-shaped hydrophilic portion 108. As one specific, non-limitingexample, the dimension 110 may be a minor diameter for an ovular-shapedor elliptical shaped hydrophilic portion 108.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 3, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the dimension 110 of thehydrophilic portion 108 is at least 5 mm.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 3, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the dimension 110 of thehydrophilic portion 108 is at least 7 mm.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 2 and 3, in one aspect of the disclosure,which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of thepreceding and/or following examples and aspects, the hydrophilic portion108 is optically reflective. As used herein, optically reflective mayinclude reflection characteristics that yield a reflectivity of between80 percent and 100 percent of the first incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam 114 (e.g., FIG. 2).

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 2, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface 104 is formed on aplate 116. As one example, the surface 104 may include a flat, opticallysmooth surface formed on the plate 116.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in one aspect of the disclosure,which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of thepreceding and/or following examples and aspects, the plate 116 includesa metallic body 118. As one example, the metallic body 118 may bestainless steel. As one example, the metallic body 118 may be aluminum.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in one aspect of the disclosure,which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of thepreceding and/or following examples and aspects, the plate 116 includesa plastic body 120 and a metal coating 122 at least partially coveringthe plastic body 120. As one example, the plastic body 120 may be formedfrom any suitable thermoset and/or thermoplastic materials. As oneexample, the metal coating 122 may be aluminum. As one example, themetal coating 122 may be nickel. As one example, the metal coating 122may be chrome.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 4, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the hydrophobic portion 106includes a substantially uniform coating 124 of a hydrophobic material126. As one example, the hydrophobic portion 106 includes asubstantially continuous coating 124 of a hydrophobic material 126. Asone example, the coating 124 of a hydrophobic material 126 may beapplied to (e.g., cover) at least a portion of a surface of the plate116. As one example, the hydrophobic material may include, but is notlimited to, long chain alkane hydrocarbons, such as, C8, C12, and C18.

As one example, the uniform coating 124 of the hydrophobic material 126is optically reflective. As one example, the uniform coating 124 of thehydrophobic material 126 is transparent and the plate 116 (e.g., thesurface of the plate 116) is optically reflective.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 4, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the hydrophilic portion 108includes a substantially uniform coating 128 of a hydrophilic material130. As one example, the coating 128 of the hydrophilic material 130 maybe applied to (e.g., cover) at least a portion of a surface of thecoating 124 of a hydrophobic material 126. As one example, thehydrophilic material 130 may include, but is not limited to, materialsincluding molecules with polar functional groups, such as, cyano groupsor carboxyl groups, or multiple hydroxyl groups, such as polysaccharideor glycol.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 5, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the hydrophobic portion 106includes a hydrophobic substrate 132. The hydrophilic portion 108 isdefined by an absence of the hydrophobic substrate 132. As one example,the hydrophobic substrate 132 may be formed from the hydrophobicmaterial 126. The hydrophobic substrate 132 may be locally removed toexpose the hydrophilic portion 108 by any suitable machining, etchingand/or chemical process.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 5, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the hydrophobic substrate 132 isconnected to the plate 116. The hydrophobic substrate 132 may beconnected to the plate 116 by any suitable operation and/or process. Asone example, the hydrophobic substrate 132 may be chemically bonded tothe plate 116 (e.g., to the surface of the plate 116). As one example,the hydrophobic substrate 132 may be adhered to the plate 116 (e.g., tothe surface of the plate 116).

In one example construction, the plate 116 may include a thickness 238.As one example, the thickness 238 of the plate 116 may be up to 0.3 mm.As one example, the thickness 238 of the plate 116 may be up to 0.5 mm.As one example, the thickness 238 of the plate 116 may be up to 1 mm. Asone example, the thickness 238 of the plate 116 may be greater than 1mm.

In one example construction, the hydrophobic substrate 132 may include athickness 240. As one example, the thickness 240 of the hydrophobicsubstrate 132 may be up to 10 nm. As one example, the thickness 240 ofthe hydrophobic substrate 132 may be up to 25 nm. As one example, thethickness 240 of the hydrophobic substrate 132 may be up to 50 nm. Asone example, the thickness 240 of the hydrophobic substrate 132 may begreater than 50 nm. In one example, a ratio of the substrate thickness240 of the hydrophobic substrate 132 to the thickness 238 of the plate116 is at least 1:6,000. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe thickness 240 may depend on the optical properties of thehydrophobic substrate 132 and/or the wavelength of the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 5, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the hydrophilic portion 108includes a portion 136 of the plate 116 characterized by an absence ofthe hydrophobic substrate 132. As one example, the hydrophilic portion108 includes a portion of the surface 104 characterized by an absence ofthe hydrophobic substrate 132. As one example, the absence of thehydrophobic substrate 132 may be defined by removing at least a portionof the hydrophobic substrate 132 from the plate 116 to expose theportion 136 of the plate 116. The hydrophilic portion 108 may be definedby the portion 136 of the plate 116 not having the hydrophobic substrate132 connected and/or applied to it.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 5, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, at least the portion 136 of theplate 116, characterized by the absence of the hydrophobic substrate132, is optically reflective.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 6 and 7, in one aspect of the disclosure,which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of thepreceding and/or following examples and aspects, the surface 104includes an identifying feature 138 associated with the hydrophilicportion 108. The identifying feature 138 may distinguish (e.g., visuallydistinguish) the hydrophilic portion 108 from the hydrophobic portion106. In such a manner, the peripheral boundary 146 and/or the center 148of the hydrophilic portion 108 may be significantly easier to locate onthe surface 104. As a result, the residue 102 (e.g., the sample 212) maybe deposited on the hydrophilic portion 108 consistently. As oneexample, the residue 102 may be deposited proximate (e.g., at or near)the center 148 of the hydrophilic portion 108. As one example, theresidue 102 may be evenly applied to the hydrophilic portion 108 withinthe peripheral boundary 146. As such, the time required to locate thehydrophilic portion 108 and to deposit the residue 102 on thehydrophilic portion 108 may be significantly reduced and the accuracy ofdepositing the residue 102 on the hydrophilic portion 108 may besignificantly increased.

As one example, the identifying feature 138 may be etched into thesurface 104. As one example, the identifying feature 138 may be machinedinto the surface 104. As one example, the identifying feature 138 may beprinted onto the surface 104.

As one example, the identifying feature 138 may be at least partiallycoextensive with the peripheral boundary 146 of the hydrophilic portion108. In such an example, the peripheral boundary 146 of the hydrophilicportion 108 may define the identifying feature 138.

As one example, the identifying feature 138 may be spaced outward fromthe peripheral boundary 146 of the hydrophilic portion 108 relative tothe center 148. In such an example, the identifying feature 138 may benear to, but not coextensive with, the peripheral boundary 146 of thehydrophilic portion 108.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 6, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the identifying feature 138 is avisually identifiable boundary 140 between the hydrophilic portion 108and the hydrophobic portion 106. As one example, the hydrophobic portion106 may have a first visual characteristic and the hydrophilic portion108 may have a second visual characteristic, whereby the visuallyidentifiable boundary 140 corresponds to the peripheral boundary 146 ofthe hydrophilic portion 108. The first visual characteristic and thesecond visual characteristic may be different. As one example, the firstand second visual characteristics may be color (e.g., the hydrophobicportion 106 may have a first color and the hydrophilic portion 108 mayhave a second color, wherein the first and second colors are different).As one example, the first and second visual characteristics may beglossiness (e.g., the hydrophobic portion 106 may be glossy and thehydrophilic portion 108 may flat or vice versa).

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 6A and 7, in one aspect of the disclosure,which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of thepreceding and/or following examples and aspects, the visuallyidentifiable boundary 140 includes an identifying color marking 142. Asone example, the identifying color marking 142 may include a shape 244.The shape 244 of the identifying color marking 142 may substantiallymatch the shape 242 defined by the peripheral boundary 146 of thehydrophilic portion 108. As one example, the identifying color marking142 may have a color that contrasts a color of the hydrophilic portion108 and/or a color of the hydrophobic portion 106.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 6A, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the identifying color marking 142is continuous. As one example, the identifying color marking 142 may bea continuous line completely surrounding the peripheral boundary 146 ofthe hydrophilic portion 108.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 7, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the identifying color marking 142is discontinuous. As one example, the identifying color marking 142 maybe a plurality of line segments at least partially surrounding theperipheral boundary 146 of the hydrophilic portion 108. As one example,the identifying color marking 142 may be a plurality of marks at leastpartially surrounding the peripheral boundary 146 of the hydrophilicportion 108.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 8, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the apparatus 100 includes means184 for generating the first incident non-destructive electromagneticbeam 114, means 186 for detecting a first reflected non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam 188, and an optical guide 190 selectively opticallycoupled with the means 184 and the means 186. The optical guide 190 isselectively positioned in contact with the surface 104 adjacent thehydrophilic portion 108.

As used herein, means-plus-function clauses are to be interpreted under35 U.S.C. 112(f), unless otherwise explicitly stated. It should be notedthat examples provided herein of any structure, material, or act insupport of any of the means-plus-function clauses, and equivalentsthereof, may be utilized individually or in combination. Thus, whilevarious structures, materials, or acts may be described in connectionwith a means-plus-function clause, any combination thereof or of theirequivalents is contemplated in support of such means-plus-functionclause.

The means 184 for generating the first incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam 114 may be any device or mechanism (e.g., anemitter) configured to generate and transmit the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 (e.g., an incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam source). As one example, the means184 for generating the first incident non-destructive electromagneticbeam 114 may include a hot filament (e.g., a “glow bar”) to generatemid-infrared light. As one example, the means 184 for generating thefirst incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 may include ablack-body radiator. As one example, the means 184 for generating thefirst incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 may include ahalogen bulb to generate near-infrared light.

The means 186 for detecting the first reflected non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam 188 may be any device or mechanism (e.g., adetector) configured to receive and process (e.g., analyze) the firstreflected non-destructive electromagnetic beam 188 (e.g., a reflectednon-destructive electromagnetic beam detector). As one example, themeans 186 for detecting the first reflected non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam 188 may include an infrared sensitive material,such as, Deuterated Tri-Glycine Sulfate (“DTGS”) or cooled mercurycadmium telluride (“MCT”). As one example, the means 186 for detectingthe first reflected non-destructive electromagnetic beam 188 may sortthe wavelengths in the first reflected non-destructive electromagneticbeam 188 using a grating. As one example, the means 186 for detectingthe first reflected non-destructive electromagnetic beam 188 may sortthe wavelengths in the first reflected non-destructive electromagneticbeam 188 by Fourier Transform processing of the first reflectednon-destructive electromagnetic beam 188 passing through aninterferometer.

In one example, the means 184 for generating the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 and the means 186 for detectingthe first reflected non-destructive electromagnetic beam 188 may becomponents of and/or incorporated into a single spectroscopic analyzer246. As one example, the spectroscopic analyzer 246 may be a portable(e.g., handheld or desktop) spectroscopy tester. As one general,non-limiting example, the spectroscopic analyzer 246 (e.g., the means184 for generating the first incident non-destructive electromagneticbeam 114 and/or the means 186 for detecting the first reflectednon-destructive electromagnetic beam 188) may be an interferometerconfigured to analyze electromagnetic waves (e.g., light) containingfeatures of absorption and/or emission associated with the residue 102.As one general, non-limiting example, the spectroscopic analyzer 246 maybe a Fourier transform infrared (“FTIR”) spectroscopic analyzer. As onespecific, non-limiting example, the spectroscopic analyzer 246 may be anExoScan FTIR spectrometer available from Agilent Technologies, Inc. ofSanta Clara, Calif.

As one example, the optical guide 190 may be detachable head connectedto an exterior housing (e.g., a body) of the spectroscopic analyzer 246.As one general, non-limiting example, the optical guide 190 may be aspecular reflectance head. As one specific, non-limiting example, theoptical guide 190 may be a grazing angle specular reflectance head. Theapparatus 100 may include a plurality of interchangeable optical guides190.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 8, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the optical guide 190 includes ahousing 196 including an interface surface 198, and a lens 200 (e.g., anoptical element) inside the housing 196. As one example, the housing 196may form the exterior body of the optical guide 190. The interfacesurface 198 may define an exterior surface of the housing 196 that isplaced in contact with the surface 104. As one example, the opticalguide 190 is positioned such that the interface surface 198 is in directcontact with the surface 104 with the lens 200 positioned over thehydrophilic portion 108.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 9, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the optical guide 190 selectivelydirects the first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 atthe hydrophilic portion 108 at a non-zero incidence angle 192 andreceives the first reflected non-destructive electromagnetic beam 188 ata non-zero reflective angle 194.

As one example, the incidence angle 192 may be a non-zero angle definedbetween the first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 andthe surface 104. As one example, the first incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam 114 may be disposed at a non-zero incidence grazingangle 250 with respect to a reference plane 248. The reference plane 248may be perpendicular to the surface 104.

As one example, the reflective angle 194 may be a non-zero angle definedbetween the first reflected non-destructive electromagnetic beam 188 andthe surface 104. As one example, the first reflected non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam 188 may be disposed at a non-zero reflectivegrazing angle 252 with respect to the reference plane 248.

The lens 200 may be optically constructed or configured to direct (e.g.,reflect) the first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 atthe incidence angle 192 (or the incidence grazing angle 250) and thefirst reflected non-destructive electromagnetic beam 188 and thereflective angle 194 (or the reflective grazing angle 252).

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 9, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the incidence angle 192 and thereflective angle 194 are between 5 degrees and 20 degrees. As oneexample, the incidence angle 192 and the reflective angle 194 may bebetween 15 degrees and 90 degrees. As one example, the incidence angle192 and the reflective angle 194 may be equal.

In one example, when the first incident non-destructive electromagneticbeam 114, having the incident angle 192 of at most 20 degrees relativeto the hydrophilic portion 108 of the surface 104, is directed at thecenter 148 of the hydrophilic portion 108, the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 is not obstructed by thehydrophobic portion 106 of the surface 104.

As one example, the incidence grazing angle 250 and the reflectivegrazing angle 252 may be between 70 degrees and 85 degrees. As oneexample, the incidence grazing angle 250 and the reflective grazingangle 252 may be between 0 degrees and 85 degrees. As one example, theincidence grazing angle 250 and the reflective grazing angle 252 may beequal.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 10 in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface 104 includes asurface center alignment feature 144. The surface center alignmentfeature 144 may aid in the alignment of the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 (e.g., FIG. 8) with the center148 of the hydrophilic portion 108. In such a manner, the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 may consistently impinge (e.g.,interact with) the residue 102 disposed proximate (e.g., at or near) thecenter 148 of hydrophilic portion 108. As a result, with eachspectroscopic analysis of the residue 102, subsequent (e.g., spaced istime) incident non-destructive electromagnetic beams may impinge theresidue 102 at substantially the same location with respect to thecenter 148 of the hydrophilic portion 108.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 10, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the hydrophilic portion 108includes the peripheral boundary 146 and the center 148 circumscribed bythe peripheral boundary 146. The surface center alignment feature 144 isconcentric with the center 148 of the hydrophilic portion 108 and atleast partially surrounds the peripheral boundary 146 of the hydrophilicportion 108.

The surface center alignment feature 144 may define a shape 254. As oneexample, the shape 254 defined by the surface center alignment feature144 may substantially match the shape 242 defined by the peripheralboundary 146 of the hydrophilic portion 108.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 10 and 19, the housing 196 of the opticalguide 190 may define a shape 256 (e.g., FIG. 19). As one example, theshape 254 defined by the surface center alignment feature 144 (e.g.,FIG. 10) may substantially match the shape 256 defined by the housing196 of the optical guide 190 (e.g., FIG. 19). As one example, the shape256 defined by the housing 196 may define a shape of the peripheral edge258 of the interface surface 198.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 10, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface center alignmentfeature 144 is spaced away from the peripheral boundary 146 of thehydrophilic portion 108. As one example, the surface center alignmentfeature 144 may be spaced outward from the peripheral boundary 146 ofthe hydrophilic portion 108 with respect to the center 148 of thehydrophilic portion 108.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 10 and 19, as one example, the surface centeralignment feature 144 may be spaced away from the peripheral boundary146 of the hydrophilic portion 108 (e.g., FIG. 10) a sufficient distanceto allow the interface surface 198 of the housing 196 of the opticalguide 190 (e.g., FIG. 19) to fit within the surface center alignmentfeature 144.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 10 and 19, in one aspect of the disclosure,which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of thepreceding and/or following examples and aspects, the surface 104includes the surface center alignment feature 144 (e.g., FIG. 10), andthe interface surface 198 (e.g., FIG. 19) of the optical guide 190includes an interface center alignment feature 202 corresponding to thesurface center alignment feature 144. As one example, the interfacecenter alignment feature 202 may be defined by a peripheral edge 258 ofthe interface surface 198 of the housing 196 of the optical guide 190.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 10 and 19, in one aspect of the disclosure,which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of thepreceding and/or following examples and aspects, the hydrophilic portion108 includes the peripheral boundary 146 and the center 148circumscribed by the peripheral boundary 146 (e.g., FIG. 10). Thesurface center alignment feature 144 is concentric with the center 148of the hydrophilic portion 108 and at least partially surrounds theperipheral boundary 146 of the hydrophilic portion 108 (e.g., FIG. 10).The interface center alignment feature 202 (e.g., FIG. 19) of theoptical guide 190 is alignable with the surface center alignment feature144. As one example, the peripheral edge 258 (e.g., FIG. 19) of theinterface surface 198 of the housing 196 of the optical guide 190 (e.g.,the interface center alignment feature 202) is alignable with thesurface center alignment feature 144.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 11, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface center alignmentfeature 144 includes at least one surface centering projection 150. Asone example, a single continuous surface centering projection 150 maycompletely surround the peripheral boundary 146 of the hydrophilicportion 108. As one example, one or more surface centering projections150 may at least partially surround the peripheral boundary 146 of thehydrophilic portion 108. As one example, the surface centeringprojection 150 may form an interference protruding upwardly from thesurface 104 including, but not limited to, a ridge, a bump, a post orthe like. As one example, the surface centering projection 150 may bemachined or connected onto the surface 104.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 11 and 19, the surface centering projection150 may define a center alignment of the first incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam 114 (e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9) with the center 148 ofthe hydrophilic portion 108 (e.g., FIG. 11). As one example, the surfacecentering projection 150 may visually indicate the center alignment by acontour change on the surface 104 and the interface center alignmentfeature 202 (e.g., the peripheral edge 258) may be positioned withrespect to the surface centering projection 150 to center align thefirst incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114. As one example,the surface centering projection 150 may physically indicate the centeralignment by the contour change on the surface 104 and the interfacecenter alignment feature 202 (e.g., the peripheral edge 258) may bepositioned within the surface centering projection 150 and/or betweenthe surface centering projections 150 to center align the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 12, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface center alignmentfeature 144 includes at least one surface centering depression 152. Asone example, a single continuous surface centering depression 152 maycompletely surround the peripheral boundary 146 of the hydrophilicportion 108. As one example, one or more surface centering depressions152 may at least partially surround the peripheral boundary 146 of thehydrophilic portion 108. As one example, the surface centeringdepression 152 may be an interference formed within the surface 104,including, but not limited to, a through hole, an aperture, a recess, adimple or the like. As one example, the surface centering depression 152may be machined or etched into the surface 104.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 12 and 19, the surface centering depression152 may define the center alignment of the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 (e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9) with thecenter 148 of the hydrophilic portion 108 (e.g., FIG. 12). As oneexample, the surface centering depression 152 may visually indicate thecenter alignment by a contour change on the surface 104 and theinterface center alignment feature 202 (e.g., the peripheral edge 258)may be positioned with respect to the surface centering depression 152to center align the first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam114. As one example, the surface centering depression 152 may physicallyindicate center alignment by the contour change on the surface 104. Thesurface centering depression 152 may form a recess in the surface 104completely surrounding the peripheral boundary 146 of the hydrophilicportion 108 (e.g., FIG. 12). The interface surface 198 of the housing196 of the optical guide 190 (e.g., FIG. 19) may be positioned withinthe surface centering depression 152 (e.g., the recess) to center alignthe first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 13, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface center alignmentfeature 144 includes at least one surface centering color marking 154.As one example, a single continuous surface centering color marking 154may completely surround the peripheral boundary 146 of the hydrophilicportion 108. As one example, one or more surface centering colormarkings 154 may at least partially surround the peripheral boundary 146of the hydrophilic portion 108. As one example, the surface centeringcolor markings 154 may form a visually identifiable mark on the surface104, including, but not limited to, a continuous elongated line, adiscontinuous line (e.g., a plurality of line segments), a short line orthe like. As one example, the surface centering color markings 154 maybe printed on the surface 104.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 13 and 19, the surface centering color marking154 may define the center alignment of the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 (e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9) with thecenter 148 of the hydrophilic portion 108 (e.g., FIG. 13). As oneexample, the surface centering color marking 154 may visually indicatethe center alignment by a color change on the surface 104 and theinterface center alignment feature 202 (e.g., the peripheral edge 258)may be positioned with respect to (e.g., within and/or between) thesurface centering color markings 154 to center align the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 14 and 15, in one aspect of the disclosure,which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of thepreceding and/or following examples and aspects, the surface 104includes a surface directional alignment feature 156. The surfacedirectional alignment feature 156 may aid in directional alignment ofthe first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 (e.g., FIGS.8 and 9) with respect to the hydrophilic portion 108, for example, withrespect to any particular location or point on the peripheral boundary146 of the hydrophilic portion 108. In such a manner, the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 may consistently impinge (e.g.,interact with) the residue 102 at a predefined directional orientation.As a result, with each spectroscopic analysis of the residue 102,subsequent (e.g., spaced is time) incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beams may impinge the residue 102 at substantially thesame directional orientations.

As used herein, directional orientation may be an angular direction ofthe first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 with respectthe hydrophilic portion 108, for example, the peripheral boundary 146 ofthe hydrophilic portion 108. As one example, a first directionalorientation 224 is directed toward the center 148 of the hydrophilicportion 108 and is defined with respect to a reference point 262 on thereference circle 260. As one example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and15, the first directional orientation 224 is disposed at an angulardirection of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the referencepoint 262 of the reference circle 260.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 14, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface directional alignmentfeature 156 is at least partially coextensive with the surface centeralignment feature 144. As one example, one or more of the surface centeralignment features 144 (e.g., the surface centering projection 150 orthe surface centering depression 152) may function as one or moresurface directional alignment features 156.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 15, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the hydrophilic portion 108includes the center 148, and the surface directional alignment feature156 is outward of the surface center alignment feature 144 relative tothe center 148 of the hydrophilic portion 108.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 15 and 20, in one aspect of the disclosure,which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of thepreceding and/or following examples and aspects, the surface 104includes the surface directional alignment feature 156 (e.g., FIG. 15),and the interface surface 198 (e.g., FIG. 20) of the optical guide 190includes an interface directional alignment feature 204 corresponding tothe surface directional alignment feature 156.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 16, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface directional alignmentfeature 156 includes at least one surface directing projection 158.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 16, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface directional alignmentfeature 156 includes a plurality 160 of surface directing projections(as an example, two surface directing projections 158 are illustrated).Corresponding dimensions 162 of at least one surface directingprojection 158 of the plurality 160 of surface directing projections andat least one other surface directing projection 158 of the plurality ofsurface directing projections are different. In this example, thesurface directing projections 158 having different correspondingdimensions 162 may also serve as the surface center alignment feature144.

Referring e.g., to FIG. 16, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface directional alignmentfeature 156 includes the plurality 160 of surface directing projections.Corresponding dimensions 162 of all surface directing projections 158 ofthe plurality 160 of surface directing projections are different.

As one example, the surface directing projections 158 may be aninterference projecting upwardly from the surface 104 including, but notlimited to, a ridge, a bump, a post or the like. As one example, thesurface directing projection 158 may be machined or connected onto thesurface 104. As one example, the dimensions 162 of each surfacedirecting projection 158 may be defined as a cross-sectional dimensionof the surface directing projection 158.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 17, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface directional alignmentfeature 156 includes at least one surface directing depression 164.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 17, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface directional alignmentfeature 156 includes a plurality 166 of surface directing depressions(as an example, two surface directing depressions 164 are illustrated).Corresponding dimensions 168 of at least one surface directingdepression 164 of the plurality 166 of surface directing depressions andat least one other surface directing depression 164 of the plurality 166of surface directing depressions are different. In one example, thesurface directing depressions 164 having different correspondingdimensions 168 may also serve as the surface center alignment feature144.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 17, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface directional alignmentfeature 156 includes the plurality 166 of surface directing depressions.Corresponding dimensions 168 of all surface directing depressions 164 ofthe plurality 166 of surface directing depressions are different.

As one example, the surface directing depression 164 may be aninterference formed into the surface 104 including, but not limited to,a slot, a through hole, an aperture, a dimple or the like. As oneexample, the surface directing depression 164 may be machined or etchedonto the surface 104. As one example, the dimensions 168 of each surfacedirecting depression 164 may be defined as a cross-sectional dimensionof the surface directing depression 164.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 18, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface directional alignmentfeature 156 includes at least one surface directing color marking 170.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 18, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface directional alignmentfeature 156 includes a plurality 172 of surface directing color markings(as an example, two surface directing color markings 170 areillustrated). At least one surface directing color marking 170 of theplurality 172 of surface directing color markings is different than atleast one other surface directing color marking 170 of the plurality 172of surface directing color markings. In one example, different surfacedirecting color markings 170 may also serve as the surface centeralignment feature 144.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 18, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface directional alignmentfeature 156 includes the plurality 172 of surface directing colormarkings. All surface directing color markings 170 of the plurality 172of surface directing color markings are different.

As one example, the surface directing color marking 170 may form avisually identifiable mark on the surface 104, including, but notlimited to, a continuous elongated line, a discontinuous line (e.g., aplurality of line segments), a short line, an alphabetic character,numeric character, a symbol, a shape or the like. As one example, thesurface directing color markings 170 may be printed on the surface 104.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 16-18 and 21-23, in one aspect of thedisclosure, which may include at least a portion of the subject matterof any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, thesurface directional alignment feature 156 includes at least one of: atleast one surface directing projection 158 (e.g., FIG. 16); at least onesurface directing depression 164 (e.g., FIG. 17); or at least onesurface directing color marking 170 (e.g., FIG. 18). The interfacedirectional alignment feature 204 of the optical guide 190 includes atleast one of: at least one interface directing projection 206 (e.g.,FIG. 21; as an example, two interface directing projections 206 areillustrated), alignable with the at least one surface directingdepression 164; at least one interface directing depression 208 (e.g.,FIG. 22; as an example, two interface directing depressions 208 areillustrated), alignable with the at least one surface directingprojection 158; or at least one interface directing color marking 210(e.g., FIG. 23; as an example, two interface directing color markings210 are illustrated), alignable with the at least one surface directingcolor marking 170.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 17 and 21, as one example, the interfacedirectional alignment feature 204 includes a plurality of interfacedirecting projections 230 (e.g., FIG. 21) selectively alignable with theplurality of surface directing depressions 166 (e.g., FIG. 17). In oneexample implementation of the present disclosure, at least one interfacedirecting projection 206 may correspond to at least one surfacedirecting depression 164. As one example, the dimension 228 (e.g., FIG.21) of at least one interface directing projection 206 may be suitablysized to mate with the dimension 168 (e.g., FIG. 17) of at least onesurface directing depression 164. As one example, the dimensions 228 ofeach interface directing projection 206 may be defined as across-sectional dimension of the interface directing projection 206.

In one example, corresponding dimensions 228 of at least one interfacedirecting projection 206 of the plurality of interface directingprojections 230 and at least one other interface directing projection206 of the plurality of interface directing projections 230 aredifferent. In one example, corresponding dimensions 228 of all interfacedirecting projections 206 of the plurality of interface directingprojections 230 are different. As a result, the optical guide 190 (e.g.,FIG. 21) may be repeatably positioned with respect to the surface 104and/or the hydrophilic portion 108 (e.g., FIG. 17) such that the firstincident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 (e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9)is consistently directed at the first directional orientation 224 (FIG.17).

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 22, as one example, the interface directionalalignment feature 204 includes a plurality of interface directingdepressions 232 (e.g., FIG. 22) selectively alignable with the pluralityof surface directing projections 160 (e.g., FIG. 16). In one exampleimplementation of the present disclosure, at least one interfacedirecting depression 208 may correspond to at least one surfacedirecting projection 158. As one example, the dimension 236 (e.g., FIG.22) of at least one interface directing depression 208 may be suitablysized to mate with the dimension 162 (e.g., FIG. 16) of at least onesurface directing projection 158. As one example, the dimensions 236 ofeach interface directing depression 208 may be defined as across-sectional dimension of the interface directing depression 208.

In one example, corresponding dimensions 236 of at least one interfacedirecting depression 208 of the plurality of interface directingdepressions 232 and at least one other interface directing depression208 of the plurality of interface directing depressions 232 aredifferent. In one example, corresponding dimensions 236 of all interfacedirecting depressions 208 of the plurality of surface directingdepressions 232 are different. As a result, the optical guide 190 may berepeatably positioned with respect to the surface 104 and/or thehydrophilic portion 108 such that the first incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam 114 (e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9) is consistently directedat the first directional orientation 224.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 23, as one example, the interface directionalalignment feature 204 includes a plurality of interface directing colormarkings 234 selectively alignable with the plurality of surfacedirecting color markings 172. In one example implementation of thepresent disclosure, at least one interface directing color marking 210may correspond to at least one surface directing color marking 170. Asone example, at least one interface directing depression 208 may matchat least one surface directing color marking 170 (e.g., having the sameshape, the same color, the same size or the like). Each directing colormarking 210 of the plurality of surface directing color markings 234 mayextend beyond the peripheral edge 258 of the interface surface, forexample, the directing color marking 210 may extend from the peripheraledge 258 onto the housing 196 of the optical guide 190.

In one example, at least one interface directing color marking 210 ofthe plurality of surface directing color markings 234 is different thanat least one other interface directing color marking 210 of theplurality of surface directing color markings 234. In one example, allinterface directing color markings 210 of the plurality of interfacedirecting color markings 234 are different. As a result, the opticalguide 190 may be repeatably positioned with respect to the surface 104and/or the hydrophilic portion 108 such that the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 (e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9) isconsistently directed at the first directional orientation 224.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 24, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface 104 includesadditional hydrophilic portions 174. The hydrophilic portion 108 and theadditional hydrophilic portions 174 form an arrangement 176 ofhydrophilic portions.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 24, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the hydrophilic portions (i.e.,the hydrophilic portion 108 and the additional hydrophilic portions 174)of the arrangement 176 of hydrophilic portions are evenly spaced awayfrom each other.

Referring, e.g., to FIG. 25, in one aspect of the disclosure, which mayinclude at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the precedingand/or following examples and aspects, the surface 104 includes at leastone of: a plurality 178 of identifying features; a plurality 180 ofsurface center alignment features; or a plurality 182 of surfacedirectional alignment features. Each of the hydrophilic portions (i.e.,the hydrophilic portion 108 and the additional hydrophilic portions 174)is associated with at least one of: the identifying feature 138 of theplurality 178 of identifying features; the surface center alignmentfeature 144 of the plurality 180 of surface center alignment features;or the surface directional alignment feature 156 of the plurality 182 ofsurface directional alignment features.

As one example, the hydrophilic portion 108 and each of the additionalhydrophilic portions 174 is associated with a corresponding identifyingfeature 138 of the plurality 178 of identifying features. As oneexample, the hydrophilic portion 108 and each of the additionalhydrophilic portions 174 is associated with a corresponding surfacecenter alignment feature 144 of the plurality 180 of surface centeralignment features. As one example, the hydrophilic portion 108 and eachof the additional hydrophilic portions 174 is associated with acorresponding surface directional alignment feature 156 of the plurality182 of surface directional alignment features.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-25 and particularly to FIGS. 26A and 26B,one example of the present disclosure relates to a method 500 foranalyzing the sample 212 located on the hydrophilic portion 108 of thesurface 104. The method 500 includes directing the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 through the sample 212 at thenon-zero incidence angle 192 relative to the surface 104 (block 502) andanalyzing the first reflected non-destructive electromagnetic beam 188reflected from the hydrophilic portion 108 to obtain a first measurement214 associated with at least one property 216 of the sample 212 (block504).

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, as one example, and as describedherein above, the sample 212 may include a liquid solvent and theresidue 102. The sample 212 may be deposited on the hydrophilic portion108 as a liquid droplet. The hydrophilic portion 108, or the pattern ofthe arrangement 176 of hydrophilic portions, may cause the liquiddroplet of the sample 212 to center upon the hydrophilic portion 108 andavoid the surrounding hydrophobic portion 106.

The first measurement 214 associated with at least one property 216 ofthe sample 212 may include detailed chemical information about theidentity of the residue 102. As one example, the at least one property216 of the sample 212 (e.g., the residue 102) may include, but is notlimited to, a component in the analyte, the composition of the analyte,and a concentration of the analyte.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 26A and 26B, in one aspect of the disclosure,which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of thepreceding and/or following examples and aspects, the method 500 includesaligning the first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114with the center 148 of the hydrophilic portion 108 (block 506).

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 26A and 26B, in one aspect of the disclosure,which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of thepreceding and/or following examples and aspects, aligning the firstincident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 with the center 148 ofthe hydrophilic portion 108 (block 506) includes aligning the interfacecenter alignment feature 202 of the interface surface 198 of the opticalguide 190 and the surface center alignment feature 144 of the surface104 (block 508).

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 26A and 26B, in one aspect of the disclosure,which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of thepreceding and/or following examples and aspects, the method 500 includesdirectionally aligning the first incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam 114 with the hydrophilic portion 108 (block 510).

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 26A and 26B, in one aspect of the disclosure,which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of thepreceding and/or following examples and aspects, directionally aligningthe first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 with thehydrophilic portion 108 (block 510) includes aligning the interfacedirectional alignment feature 204 of the interface surface 198 of theoptical guide 190 and the surface directional alignment feature 156 ofthe surface 104 (block 512).

In one example, directionally aligning the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114 with the hydrophilic portion108 (block 510) includes aligning the interface directional alignmentfeature 204 of the interface surface 198 of the optical guide 190 andthe surface directional alignment feature 156 of the surface 104 in afirst directional orientation 224 (block 514).

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 26A and 26B, in one aspect of the disclosure,which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of thepreceding and/or following examples and aspects, the method 500 includespassing the first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114through the sample 212 (block 516) and passing the first reflectednon-destructive electromagnetic beam 188 through the sample 212 (block518).

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 26A and 26B, in one aspect of the disclosure,which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of thepreceding and/or following examples and aspects, the method 500 includesdirecting a second incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 218through the sample 212 at the non-zero incidence angle 192 (block 520),analyzing a second reflected non-destructive electromagnetic beam 220reflected from the hydrophilic portion 108 to obtain a secondmeasurement 222 associated with at least one property 216 of the sample212 (block 522), and averaging the first measurement 214 and the secondmeasurement 222 (block 524).

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 26A and 26B, in one aspect of the disclosure,which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of thepreceding and/or following examples and aspects, the method 500 includesaligning the first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 114with the center 148 of the hydrophilic portion 108 (block 506);directionally aligning the first incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam 114 with the hydrophilic portion 108 at the firstdirectional orientation 224 (blocks 510 and 514); aligning the secondincident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 218 with the center 148 ofthe hydrophilic portion 108 (block 526), and directionally aligning thesecond incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam 218 with thehydrophilic portion 108 at a second directional orientation 226 (block528).

Accordingly, the disclosed apparatus 100 and method 500 may improvenon-destructive analysis of materials and chemicals, for example, byimproving the sensitivity of spectro-photometric analysis and allowingfor easier handling of samples. Advantageously, the disclosed apparatus100 and method 500 may allow for: (1) archiving spectroscopic analysisdata (e.g., saving and archiving the physical residue 102 disposed onthe hydrophilic portion 108 of the surface 104 of the plate 116), (2)performing multiple spectroscopic analysis of a single sample 212 (e.g.,residue 102 disposed on the hydrophilic portion 108 of the surface 104of the plate 116) at a consistent and predetermined directionalorientation 224, such that the results of multiple spectroscopicanalysis can be averaged, and (3) reducing the cost of multiplespectroscopic analysis by reusing the plates 116, if the residue 102 canbe washed off without damaging or destroying the residue 102 and/or thehydrophilic portion 108, when the plate 116 is used in conjunction withnon-destructive electromagnetic light (e.g., the first incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam 114).

The disclosure and drawing figure(s) describing the operations of themethod(s) set forth herein should not be interpreted as necessarilydetermining a sequence in which the operations are to be performed.Rather, although one illustrative order is indicated, it is to beunderstood that the sequence of the operations may be modified whenappropriate. Accordingly, certain operations may be performed in adifferent order or simultaneously. Additionally, in some aspects of thedisclosure, not all operations described herein need be performed.

Examples of the disclosure may be described in the context of anaircraft manufacturing and service method 1100, as shown in FIG. 27, andan aircraft 1102, as shown in FIG. 28. During pre-production,illustrative method 1100 may include specification and design 1104 ofthe aircraft 1102 and material procurement 1106. During production,component and subassembly manufacturing 1108 and system integration 1110of the aircraft 1102 take place. Thereafter, the aircraft 1102 may gothrough certification and delivery 1112 to be placed in service 1114.While in service by a customer, the aircraft 1102 is scheduled forroutine maintenance and service 1116 (which may also includemodification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and so on).

Each of the processes of the illustrative method 1100 may be performedor carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator(e.g., a customer). For the purposes of this description, a systemintegrator may include, without limitation, any number of aircraftmanufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party mayinclude, without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, andsuppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, militaryentity, service organization, and so on.

As shown in FIG. 28, the aircraft 1102 produced by the illustrativemethod 1100 may include an airframe 1118 with a plurality of high-levelsystems 1120 and an interior 1122. Examples of high-level systems 1120include one or more of a propulsion system 1124, an electrical system1126, a hydraulic system 1128, and an environmental system 1130. Anynumber of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace exampleis shown, the principles of the invention may be applied to otherindustries, such as the automotive industry.

Apparatus and methods shown or described herein may be employed duringany one or more of the stages of the manufacturing and service method1100. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding tocomponent and subassembly manufacturing 1108 may be fabricated ormanufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies producedwhile the aircraft 1102 is in service. Also, one or more aspects of theapparatus, method, or combination thereof may be utilized duringcomponent and subassembly manufacturing 1108 and system integration1110, for example, by substantially expediting assembly of or reducingthe cost of an aircraft 1102. Similarly, one or more aspects of theapparatus or method realizations, or a combination thereof, may beutilized, for example and without limitation, while the aircraft 1102 isin service, e.g., maintenance and service 1116.

Different examples and aspects of the apparatus and methods aredisclosed herein that include a variety of components, features, andfunctionality. It should be understood that the various examples andaspects of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein may include any ofthe components, features, and functionality of any of the other examplesand aspects of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein in anycombination, and all of such possibilities are intended to be within thespirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Many modifications and other examples of the disclosure set forth hereinwill come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the disclosurepertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoingdescriptions and the associated drawings.

Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to belimited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications andother embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings describe example embodiments in the context ofcertain illustrative combinations of elements and/or functions, itshould be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/orfunctions may be provided by alternative implementations withoutdeparting from the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of analyzing a sample, located on ahydrophilic portion of a surface, the method comprising: directing afirst incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam through the sampleat a non-zero incidence angle relative to the surface; and analyzing afirst reflected non-destructive electromagnetic beam, reflected from thehydrophilic portion, to obtain a first measurement, associated with atleast one property of the sample, wherein: the hydrophilic portion ofthe surface comprises a dimension, in plan view, equal to or larger thana width of the first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam; andthe hydrophilic portion of the surface is optically reflective.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising depositing the sample on thehydrophilic portion of the surface.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein:the surface is defined by a hydrophilic material coupled to a plate anda hydrophobic substrate coupled to the hydrophilic material; and thehydrophilic portion of the surface is defined by an absence of thehydrophobic substrate.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein: the surface isdefined by a hydrophobic substrate coupled to a plate; the hydrophobicsubstrate defines a hydrophobic portion of the surface; a portion of theplate defines the hydrophilic portion of the surface; and thehydrophobic portion of the surface surrounds the hydrophilic portion ofthe surface.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step ofaligning the first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam with acenter of the hydrophilic portion.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein thestep of aligning the first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beamwith the center of the hydrophilic portion comprises aligning aninterface center alignment feature of an interface surface of an opticalguide and a surface center alignment feature of the surface.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising a step of directionally aligningthe first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam with thehydrophilic portion.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step ofdirectionally aligning the first incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam with the hydrophilic portion comprises aligning aninterface directional alignment feature of an interface surface of anoptical guide and a surface directional alignment feature of thesurface.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: passing the firstincident non-destructive electromagnetic beam through the sample; andpassing the first reflected non-destructive electromagnetic beam throughthe sample.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: directing asecond incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam through the sampleat the non-zero incidence angle; analyzing a second reflectednon-destructive electromagnetic beam, reflected from the hydrophilicportion, to obtain a second measurement, associated with at least oneproperty of the sample; and averaging the first measurement and thesecond measurement.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:aligning the first incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam with acenter of the hydrophilic portion; directionally aligning the firstincident non-destructive electromagnetic beam with the hydrophilicportion at a first directional orientation; aligning the second incidentnon-destructive electromagnetic beam with the center of the hydrophilicportion; and directionally aligning the second incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam with the hydrophilic portion at a seconddirectional orientation.
 12. A method of analyzing a sample, formed froma liquid solvent and a residue and located on a surface, defined by ahydrophilic material, which is coupled to a plate, and a hydrophobicsubstrate, which is coupled to the hydrophilic material, the methodcomprising: directing a first incident non-destructive electromagneticbeam, comprising a width, through the sample at an incidence angle thatis not zero relative to the surface, wherein: the sample is deposited ona hydrophilic portion of the surface; the hydrophilic portion of thesurface is defined by an absence of the hydrophobic substrate; and thehydrophilic portion comprises a dimension, in plan view, equal to orlarger than the width of the first incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam; and analyzing a first reflected non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam, reflected from the hydrophilic portion, to obtaina first measurement, associated with at least one property of thesample.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising aligning aninterface center alignment feature of an interface surface of an opticalguide and a surface center alignment feature of the surface to align thefirst incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam with a center of thehydrophilic portion.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising astep of directionally aligning the first incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam with the hydrophilic portion.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, further comprises aligning an interface directional alignmentfeature of the interface surface of the optical guide and a surfacedirectional alignment feature of the surface to directionally align thefirst incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam with the hydrophilicportion.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: passing thefirst incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam through the sample;and passing the first reflected non-destructive electromagnetic beamthrough the sample.
 17. The method of claim 12, further comprising:directing a second incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam throughthe sample at the incidence angle that is not zero; analyzing a secondreflected non-destructive electromagnetic beam, reflected from thehydrophilic portion, to obtain a second measurement, associated with atleast one property of the sample; and averaging the first measurementand the second measurement.
 18. A method of analyzing a sample, formedfrom a liquid solvent and a residue and located on a surface, defined bya hydrophobic substrate, which is coupled to a plate, the methodcomprising: directing a first incident non-destructive electromagneticbeam, comprising a width, through the sample at an incidence angle thatis not zero relative to the surface, wherein: the sample is deposited ona hydrophilic portion of the surface; the hydrophobic substrate definesa hydrophobic portion of the surface and a portion of the plate definesthe hydrophilic portion of the surface; and the hydrophobic portion ofthe surface surrounds the hydrophilic portion of the surface and thehydrophilic portion comprises a dimension, in plan view, equal to orlarger than the width of the first incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam; and analyzing a first reflected non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam, reflected from the hydrophilic portion, to obtaina first measurement, associated with at least one property of thesample.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein: the plate has a thickness;the hydrophobic substrate has a substrate thickness; a ratio of thesubstrate thickness of the hydrophobic substrate to the thickness of theplate is at least 1:6,000; and the first incident non-destructiveelectromagnetic beam, directed at a center of the hydrophilic portionand having the incidence angle of at most 20 degrees relative to thehydrophilic portion of the surface, is not obstructed by the hydrophobicportion of the surface.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:directing a second incident non-destructive electromagnetic beam throughthe sample at the incidence angle that is not zero; analyzing a secondreflected non-destructive electromagnetic beam, reflected from thehydrophilic portion, to obtain a second measurement, associated with atleast one property of the sample; and averaging the first measurementand the second measurement.